The halls are decked with boughs of holly, the goose is getting fat, this is the season to get jolly and enjoy a winter break! The clocks have changed and the evenings are long. Escape the winter blues with some great winter deals and enjoy some stunning scenery. Enjoy great Scottish food and warm hospitality - sit back and relax next to a roaring open fire and sip a glass of wine. Looking for a romantic break or an activity break? All you have to do is visit Loch Lomond this winter! Even better, join us for Christmas or celebrate Hogmanay in true Scottish style at Loch Lomond in Scotland! Within easy reach of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling - check out our festive breaks.

Festive Dining at Loch Lomond Restaurants

Check out our Loch Lomond Restaurants for great festive menus. Whether you are looking for a quiet rural Christmas retreat or a great lively fun night out, you will find restaurants on both the east and west shores of Loch Lomond with something for everyone. With the backdrop of the National Park you are sure to have a fantastic festive celebration to remember. Join us in this winter wonderland that is the Loch Lomond and Trossachs area of central Scotland. How many weeks until Christmas? Don't panic! It's not too late to plan that family Christmas dinner or office Christmas lunch. And then don't forget Hogmanay!

Christmas Shopping at Loch Lomond

Escape hectic city shopping and enjoy Christmas Shopping with the backdrop of snowcapped Ben Lomond to add to your experience! For unique gifts, stunning His & Hers jewellery, top designer fashions, stocking fillers with a difference and lots lots more, head to Lomond Shores in Balloch. Even shopping with the kids can be fun! Visit Santa's Grotto, enjoy the Christmas Carousel and take a trip on Santa's Express. Take the stress out of it all and go shopping at Loch Lomond this Christmas!

When that's all over, you can always go back for a great day out and pick up a bargain at the January sales!

What's On This Winter

Throughout the winter months, enjoy live music in a lochside pub, dance the night away at a Scottish ceilidh, enjoy a Christmas panto or check out the local produce at a farmers' market. There is always plenty to do and see throughout Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Whether you are coming for a short break, planning a day trip or are lucky enough to live in the National Park - check out What's On at Loch Lomond this winter.

Rod Stewart Records Christmas TV Special at Stirling Castle

Rod Stewart’s Christmas TV special was recorded at Stirling Castle, on Wednesday 21st November. Rod’s show includes Christmas favourites and was joined by Kylie Minogue, Michael Bublé, Nicola Benedetti and presenter Holly Willoughby.

Rod and his wife, Penny, arrived at the spectacular venue in a chauffeur-driven limousine entering the building via the back entrance. Once inside, Rod performed Let It Snow with Australian sensation Kylie, who was then joined by a children's troupe for Silent Night.

Smooth crooner Bublé, was more than happy to kiss ticketless fans through the security fence as they flocked to the Castle, the ancestral home of the Stewart Kings, to try to catch a glimpse of a Stewart descendant laying siege to the castle once again! Michael sang White Christmas.

Penny is said to have been delighted by the Castle's grounds and wanted to film outside as well as in the Great Hall, where the performance took place.

Win Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel

The Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel is a unique destination. Set amidst some of Scotland's most idyllic and unspoilt areas, it is engulfed by a natural beauty, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

For a chance to win a luxury stay at the Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel for an evening meal and bed & breakfast, enter our seasonal competition by clicking here.

National Park Photography Winners

'Morning Walk' Photo: Helen Smith

As part of the 10th Anniversary celebrations, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park have now published the winning entries of their Shot In The Park photography competition. Launched in June to celebrate 10 years since the National Park was formally opened, the Park Authority was overwhelmed by the number and the quality of entries.

Speaking about the competition, Fiona Logan, CEO of the National Park Authority said: “We received over 1000 entries and the standard has been exceptional. People have captured the real essence of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs. We are celebrating 10 years of being a National Park and we’re pleased that so many people have been inspired to explore all that this Park has to offer from the people who enjoy it, the stunning landscapes and the wonderful wildlife we have here. Congratulations to all our winners and thanks to everyone who shared their special moments in this fantastic National Park.”

The overall winner was Helen Smith from Aberfoyle who captured an atmospheric morning walk in Queen Elizabeth Forest. Helen also won the top prize in the flora and fauna category with a stunning photo of a fallow deer taken near Gartmore. Her prize was £700 in Amazon vouchers and two first class sleeper tickets to London, courtesy of First ScotRail. Each of the category winners received £100 in Amazon vouchers. The winner of the people’s vote won a luxury food hamper, courtesy of Scottish Hampers.

Following a tough competition with over 50 entries we congratulate Stephanie O'Donnell on winning the title of Miss Loch Lomond Shores. Ten finalists recently competed for the crown at a special event hosted at The Kilted Skirlie on Loch Lomond Shores.

Guests enjoyed festive cocktails while the contestants were marked on their catwalk performance, personality and etiquette. The winner received fantastic prizes including beautiful handcrafted Sheila Fleet earrings from Jenner’s, a beautiful Sphere pendant from Loch Lomond Jewellers, a hair stylist appointment and a stunning evening gown and make over photo-shoot. Miss Loch Lomond Shores will represent the complex at various events throughout the next year.